ONE Championship has announced the addition of two highly anticipated Muay Thai contests to the ONE Fight Night 42: Eersel vs. Rungrawee card. These thrilling matchups are set for Friday, April 10, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The first announced bout features Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao squaring off against Moroccan standout Elmehdi “The Sniper” El Jamari in a strawweight clash. Sam-A, boasting an impressive overall record of 377-50 and an 11-4 run in ONE Championship, is currently on a two-fight winning streak, having most recently defeated Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi last December.
A former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion—holding the inaugural ONE Flyweight Muay Thai, ONE Strawweight Muay Thai, and ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Titles—Sam-A has expressed his strong desire for one final championship pursuit, aiming for Prajanchai PK Saenchai’s strawweight Muay Thai belt. A decisive victory on April 10 would significantly bolster his claim.
El Jamari, with a strong 27-2 record, made a memorable ONE debut with a first-round knockout of Thongpoon PK Saenchai. Although he subsequently lost a decision to Aliff Sor Dechapan, the Barcelona-based Moroccan is eager to return to the win column and potentially halt the legendary Sam-A’s title aspirations.
Suakim Brings Six-Fight Winning Streak into Bantamweight Showdown
The second compelling addition sees Suakim Pongsuphan PK, a renowned three-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, entering the bantamweight division against Russian technician Vladimir Kuzmin. Suakim brings a formidable career record of 155-60 and a 7-2 promotional record, highlighted by five finishes.
His last performance, a stunning knockout of Jake “The One” Peacock in November, earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus and showcased his defining finishing power within ONE Championship. With an impressive six-fight winning streak, he stands as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders heading into April 10.
Kuzmin, representing Fight Club Archangel Michael, offers a unique hybrid Muay Thai-kickboxing style. He possesses significant experience against world-class opponents, including Jonathan Haggerty and Muangthai PK Saenchai. Currently on a two-fight winning streak, Kuzmin is known for his ability to switch stances and unleash dangerous spinning strikes from various angles, creating constant threat.